Supply Chain & Merchandising

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group said Thursday that 100% of its enclosed regional malls and Mills value properties now offer waste recycling to merchants.

"The fact that every one of our enclosed properties is now recycling cardboard is an accomplishment that makes us proud," said George Caraghiaur, senior VP energy and procurement at SPG, who coordinates the company's sustainability efforts. Caraghiaur also noted that pilot programs are underway for plastic film recycling and composting of food waste.

Greenpeace has released its latest "Carting Away the Ocean" report, and Walmart should be pleased with where it ranked on the list. With a score of 5, Walmart placed 12th (out of 20), just hight enough to earn an, or "passing," rating. While that may not seem so great, it is important to keep in mind that only two retailers, Safeway and Whole Foods received green, or "good" ratings for their scores of 7 and 7.1, respectively -- the first time any retailer has recieved such distinction.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's same-store sales increased by 1.1% in May, a lower-than-expected increase that may be due to underlying economic and industry factors.

The results for the five weeks ended June 2 included a 1.3% increase in front-end comps and a 1% increase in pharmacy sales over May 2011. Same-store prescription count increased 2.6%. Total drug store sales for the period increased 0.3% to nearly $2.5 billion, compared with $2.45 billion in May 2011.

San Francisco -- Gymboree Corp. reported Thursday net income of $4.2 million for the quarter ended April 28, compared with a loss of $10.4 million in the same period last year.

Sales rose 10.2% to $297.8 million, and same-store sales edged up 1%.

The retailer said it is on track to open 105 stores in fiscal 2012, which include 80 Crazy 8 locations. Crazy 8 is Gymboree’s discount concept.

PHILADELPHIA — Comparable sales slipped 2.8% at Pep Boys during the first quarter ended April 28, as customers were slow to come to the retailer for parts and services. The comps decline consisted of a 1.2% comparable-service revenue decrease and a 3.2% comparable-merchandise sales decrease. Total sales for the quarter increased by $11.1 million, or 2.2%, to $524.6 million from $513.5 million for the same period last year.

Cleveland -- American Greetings said Thursday it has acquired 400 Clinton Card stores, a U.K.-based chain that was one of American Greeting’s biggest customers.

The struggling retailer had about 750 stores in the United Kingdom before being placed under administration last month. About 350 stores were closed and the remaining 400 will stay under administration, said American Greetings, and the other assets will be liquidated to pay off creditors.
 

By Chris Precious, [email protected]

St. Louis -- Save-A-Lot announced plans for a new 250,374-sq.-ft. food distribution center in Pompano Beach, Fla.

The center located is expected to open by the end of fiscal year 2013 (FY13 ends February 23, 2013) and employ more than 30 employees initially, with the potential for hiring additional employees once the facility is at full capacity. The project is the result of collaboration with KTR Capital Partners and Butters Construction.